To ensure safety in shops, offices, on the streets, open and hidden video surveillance is installed. Intruders or hooligans can easily damage exposed sensors, while disguised models will remain unharmed. Such devices are also installed in dwellings. A hidden camera in the apartment provides round-the-clock surveillance of the situation.
Goals and objectives for installing a hidden camera in an apartment
A video camera, like a motion sensor, is an element of a general security system. If the attacker still managed to bypass the alarm and enter the home, a hidden camera will record the intrusion. Even if the general security system is already disabled, the user still has a record of the crime. This will help you find criminals quickly.
However, you cannot use covert surveillance in your own apartment for any other purposes. Using such a device to track someone without warning is a violation of the privacy invasion law.
If such equipment is installed in the apartment where 1 person lives in order to prevent possible problems with the water supply, electricity, penetration of strangers, the use of the camera is considered permissible. But if during the visit the guests are videotaped, and they are not warned about this, the owner may be subject to claims.
If a hidden camera is used to monitor a hired nanny or maid, the latter has the right to go to court with a claim for invasion of privacy. And it doesn't matter that the camera was able to record the manifestation of dishonesty on its part.
The owner of the apartment is obliged to warn all visitors and employees about the ongoing video surveillance. It is not necessary to indicate where the equipment is located and how the shooting is carried out.
Features and main characteristics
The principle of operation and design of "invisible" cameras is no different from ordinary ones. The light hits the lens, is transmitted to the matrix, where it is converted into electrical impulses. The latter are registered by the processor and transformed into a video signal. The video signal is transmitted to the recording device over a wire, wirelessly or via a GSM network. Some models have their own memory card, they record on their own.
The main difference between hidden structures is diminutiveness. The smaller the device, the easier it is to install it even in an open place, but so that the camera is not visible. At the same time, there is no need to chase the minimum size.
There are different models for covert shooting in your apartment. Main groups:
- Analog - the recorded video signal is not corrected. The quality of the shooting is average, the resolution is low. But such models are also inexpensive.
- Digital - provide a much higher quality image even in complete darkness. The price is much higher, so in practice they are rarely bought for home use.
Another important factor is the signal transmission method and the ability to work with different video devices.
- Radio frequency - transmit a signal over a radio channel. This method eliminates the need for recording on the card and organizes control in real time.
- Wi-Fi cameras - a signal from a device via a wireless network is transmitted to a laptop, tablet, smartphone and is recorded or broadcast to the network.It should be taken into account that when passing through walls, the Wi-Fi signal weakens, therefore, before installing, you need to check how good the image quality will be when installing the camera in the selected location. Such models are often combined with motion sensors and IR illumination.
- Standalone - equipped with their own power supply and internal memory storage. The camera recording can be viewed by removing the card and inserting it into the cartridge. The advantage of the model is the absence of wires and ease of charging: they are equipped with portable chargers. Minus - the battery works only for 1-2 hours of shooting.
- Microcameras - differ in their minimum size. The model can be installed on a switch, in an outlet, on a plastic toy. The power is autonomous, the video signal is transmitted to the drive wirelessly. The cost of cameras is high.
Cameras can shoot in black and white or color. The transition is performed automatically: at night in monochrome mode, during the day - in color.
Criteria for choosing a hidden camera for an apartment
The direct purpose of a mini camera is to take pictures without being noticed. Before buying a device, you need to figure out exactly how to disguise a camcorder in your room and at the same time ensure its functionality. To choose a model, you need to evaluate its characteristics:
- Dimensions - selected taking into account the place where the camera will be installed.
- Signal quality - you do not need to strive for indicators. In apartments, there is rarely strong interference, so even simple analog models are suitable for shooting.
- Angle of view - The wide-angle camera provides an overview of a small room. If we are talking about a studio apartment, it is better to install several narrowly focused ones.
- IR illumination - Recommended.
- Signal transmission method - wireless models are much more convenient. They are easier to install, fix in another place. However, the cost of wired cameras is lower.
- Built-in memory - on the one hand, you do not need to connect the device to a tablet or computer, on the other hand, to view the recording, you need to find the camera, pull out the card and insert it into the reader.
- Remote control - an option that allows you to turn off the camera, change the angle of view remotely.
- Motion sensor - recording is triggered only when an object moves in the room. This option is more economical, but it does not allow detecting a ceiling leak or other breakdowns in time.
- Color - a color camera is more expensive. Also, black and white is more sensitive at night.
- Price - determined by the functionality of the model and brand awareness.
Covert video surveillance in an apartment should meet expectations. If the camera is an element of a security system, it is associated with a motion sensor and equipped with IR illumination. If the focus is on constant monitoring of the situation, the video sensor should work around the clock. In this case, preference is given to models without their own memory card and powered from the mains.
Installation features
The user needs to understand how the camera placement is normalized. This will avoid damage to devices and friction arising from their use with the law:
- It is forbidden to use devices disguised as household items for video surveillance: pens, key chains, souvenirs. Materials taken from such cameras are not considered in court.
- Installation of devices together with fire or infrared motion sensors is allowed. Moreover, cameras can be disguised as these devices, since they are not household items.
- The housing heats up during operation: heat dissipation must be provided.
The use of prohibited cameras entails administrative liability - a fine.
Camera placement options
How and where to install a hidden camera depends not so much on its dimensions and features of the apartment, but on imagination. There are many options:
- Cornices, mezzanines, wide stucco moldings under the ceiling. Hence the widest view, and the probability of detection is minimal.
- TV - mini-camera can be installed directly into the device.
- Computer - the device is mounted in standard speakers or purchased models with a built-in camera.
- A peephole in the door is a good option for surveillance.
- Collectibles like toy cars, airplane models, porcelain figurines.
- In a chandelier - the camera is screwed into place with one of the bulbs.
- On a mirror - this requires a two-way mirror.
- Flowerpot - It is best to remove the sensor while watering. A vase with artificial flowers is safer.
- It is allowed to hide video cameras on household items with a large number of buttons and knobs - a music center, for example.
Other items are also suitable, placed on walls or shelves as high as possible: books, watches, photographs in decorative frames.
The higher the cameras are, the wider their viewing angle and the less likely they are to be detected. However, when choosing, you need to take into account the number of sensors. 1 widescreen is really best placed on the ceiling. Narrow-beam models are installed lower so that the cameras look over their sector.
Several factors affect the performance of camcorders. It is not recommended to place the devices in such places:
- near the microwave;
- next to any electrical converters - their operation affects the image quality;
- opposite windows or a stationary lamp - the image deteriorates;
- in a too dark place - with poor lighting, observation is difficult;
- next to fluorescent lamps.
Electrical devices may not affect the signal quality, but the device itself is affected and malfunctions.
Covert video filming in your own apartment is allowed only if the recording will not be distributed and presented. If, during observation, the landlord discovers, for example, a manifestation of dishonesty on the part of the staff, he can use the material in a personal conversation and cite it as a reason for dismissal. But he cannot sue: the materials cannot be considered as evidence if the servant was not warned about hidden video surveillance. Moreover, such use is punishable by a fine.
